Device for transporting energy by partial influence through a dielectric medium

ABSTRACT

The invention proposes a means for transporting electrical energy and/or information from a distance by using, at a slowly varying regime, the Coulomb field which surrounds any set of charged conductors. The device according to the invention is composed of energy production and consumption devices situated a short distance apart, it uses neither the propagation of electromagnetic waves nor induction and cannot be reduced to a simple arrangement of electrical capacitors. The device is modeled in the form of an interaction between oscillating asymmetric electric dipoles, consisting of a high-frequency high-voltage generator ( 1 ) or of a high-frequency high-voltage load ( 5 ) placed between two electrodes. The dipoles exert a mutual influence on one another. The devices according to the invention are suitable for powering industrial and domestic electrical apparatus, they are especially suitable for powering low-power devices moving in a limited environment and for short-distance non-radiating transmission of information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of application Ser. No.12/293,531, filed Sep. 18, 2008, which is a §371 application ofPCT/FR2006/000614, filed Mar. 21, 2006, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the topic of electrical energy transport.

Observations on the effects of electricity, first empirically in the17th and 18th centuries with the use of electrostatic machines, thenquantitatively from the work of Charles Augustin Coulomb (1736-1806)followed by numerous others that were supported by inventions of whichthe first significant one was the Leyden jar, were assembled andrepresented for the first time with a formalism unified by Sir JamesClerk Maxwell (1831-1879). The discovery of electromagnetic waves byHeinrich Rudolph Hertz (1857-1894) was the prelude to the invention ofthe radio in 1896 by Marconi. The Maxwell equations, supplemented by theLorentz (1853-1928) force relation, (simply represented, since, in amore compact formalism)are not only still relevant but also gave birthto relativity In fact it can be said that Einstein transposed theinvariance character to mechanics using the Lorentz transformationobserved in the behavior of the Maxwell-Lorentz equations. In accordancewith these latter, we can classify remote actions into three categories:

a purely electrical action that corresponds to the mechanicalrepulsion/attraction of two distant charges and which gives rise to thedefinition of the Coulomb potential;

a purely magnetic action that corresponds to the repulsion/attraction oftwo magnets and allows us to define a scalar magnetic potential (not tobe confused with vector potential);

to complete the set, a combined action that occurs when the phenomenapresent variations that are sufficiently quick over time and whichcorresponds to the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

We note here that the first two actions are not self-propagating, thethird, which corresponds to the propagation of energy at the speed oflight, is associated with transverse waves (longitudinal waves are notcompatible with Maxwell's equations). Let us also note that theapplications of the action of forces at a distance (remote forces) mayexhibit a mechanical macroscopic character when the charges are bound tomatter, or a macroscopic character that is only electrical when thecharges are free in an immobile solid material.

We shall use the following terms: “electrical influence” (electrostaticinduction) or simply “influence” to designate the remote transport ofenergy by electrical force alone; “magnetic induction”, or simply“induction”, to designate the remote transport of energy by magneticforce alone. Electromagnetic waves are the specific case in which energyis propagated by oscillations, in quadrature, in both these forms ofenergy.

Only electromagnetic waves can transport energy over great distances,the other cases correspond to energy that is stored in the immediatearea surrounding the generators; energy is available only over a shortdistance, i.e. locally. Mathematically, the energy density that can beassociated with scalar potentials decreases very rapidly with distance.

The applications of influence and induction are numerous and varied. Asregards the mechanical applications of influence, we can cite, notably,the electroscope and charge projectors (paints, inks, dust), used inmachines such as paint sprayers, photocopiers, air purifiers. Themechanical applications of induction (magnets, electromagnets) are verywidespread.

In the context of applications of transformation of mechanical energyinto electrical energy, and vice versa, we can, as regards magneticinduction, note the following: typical motors and electric generators.Influence motors also exist, influence generators also being incorrectlycalled “electrostatic machines”. Local storage of magnetic energy(induction) is achieved through components called coils or inductioncoils, whereas local storage of electrical energy (influence) isachieved using capacitors. Particular arrangements of induction coils orcapacitors allow induction or influence transformers to be produced. Itshould be noted that these types of devices involve alternatingcurrents. The laws of influence and induction remain valid in variable(alternating current) applications when the frequencies used are ratherlow, in this case we use the terms “quasi-static” or “quasi-stationary”regime. In practice, it is necessary for the size of the device toremain small compared to the wavelength in the medium involved. Forhigher frequencies, influence and induction are no longer dissociableand propagation phenomena must be taken into consideration.

The invention that we will describe is based on the possibility oftransporting electrical energy over a short distance, through a vacuumor any dielectric insulating material, by influence. In this regard,induction and electromagnetic waves do not contribute to the principlein use and cannot therefore be present except as part of attacheddevices or losses. The devices according to the invention bring intoplay types of multiple capacitive coupling between multiple conductorswhich have historically been designated according to the expression“conductors under partial influence”. This type of regime is quitedifferent from the usual idea we have of standard devices known as“total influence” devices, it therefore seems necessary to us to getback to the basics of electrostatics which allow us to define them moreprecisely.

If we take a spherical conductor, place it far away from any otherconductor, and give it an electrical charge Q, the potential V that canbe associated with the conductor is given by: V=Q/4 πεR (taking theusual convention: nil potential at infinity), where R is the conductorradius and ε is the electrical permittivity of the surroundingdielectric medium. The electrical charge on an isolated conductor istherefore intrinsically associated with the potential by the formula:Q=C·V (1), where C=4πεR. The capacitance obtained can be called the“intrinsic capacitance” of the conductor because, after a fashion, itmeasures the coupling, by influence, between the electrode and thesurrounding dielectric medium. The value obtained for typical gases isvery close to the one obtained in a vacuum. When several electrodes arepresent in a given dielectric medium, we can define the capacitance foreach conductor using formula (1), the value obtained is different fromthat obtained for the isolated conductor. Also, we should define thecapacitances of mutual influence. In the general situation of ninfluence conductors, charges Q_(i) (i=1, 2, . . . , n) obtained on then conductors are associated with potentials V_(i) by the matrixrelationship (Q_(i))=(C_(ij))(V_(i)), where matrix (C_(ij)) is an n×nmatrix. With coefficient C_(ii) being the capacitance proper toconductor i, it is not equal to its intrinsic capacitance unless thedistances between conductor i and the other conductors are largecompared to the size of conductor i. When two conductors are very closetogether and have large surfaces facing each other, it can be shownthat: C₁₁=C₂₂=−C₁₂=−C₂₁=C and Q₁=−Q₂=Q and therefore: Q=C(V1-V2). Wethen say that the conductors are in total influence. We can also saythat two conductors are in total influence when all the field linesleaving a conductor systematically return to the other; they are inpartial influence only if some lines terminate on conductors other thanthe two conductors initially being considered.

The case of interaction between two remote electric dipoles, upon whichthe invention is based, arises from the partial influence between fourconductors and cannot therefore in any case be equated to an assembly ofstandard capacitors, even asymmetric ones. In this type of case, it isnot possible to use the expression “capacitive coupling” to describe theoverall situation, on the other hand it is possible to discuss thematrix of capacitances or capacitive coefficients.

The physics of influence (electrostatic induction), in the general casewhere it is not total, is relatively complex. It can be noted that thelaw of conservation of intensity is no longer verified in it. It is easyto understand that if, in a dynamic application, electrical chargesdeposit themselves on the walls of a long, thin conductor, theirquantity, or, more precisely, their flow, decreases with distance (andthe inverse if the charges are collected). Maxwell's equations requireconservation of total current density flux: j_(m)+j_(d) where: j_(d) isthe displacement current density given by

$j_{d} = {ɛ\frac{\partial E}{\partial t}}$

and j_(m) the physical current density (density of the current which iscirculating in the conductors), the displacement current thereforereplaces the physical current at the conductor/dielectric boundary. Thisremains valid for a vacuum, which is therefore also crossed in thevicinity of a conductor by a displacement current. The displacementcurrent density, which is usually very low, can be increased by usingintense electrical fields and high frequencies. Nevertheless, contraryto a widespread mistaken idea, displacement currents are not alwaysassociated with electromagnetic waves (otherwise we would have toconsider that waves cross capacitors operating in an alternatingregime).

There local electrical or magnetic phenomena, which cannot be associatedwith waves and which require us to consider the dielectric surroundingthe conductors as a medium under electrical or magnetic constraints,can, by analogy with physical media, be called “transport phenomena”. Inthis way, the electrons that move coherently in the conductors are notin direct contact and interact with each other in the same way as remotephysical conductors, by influence.

Although the invention relates to remote energy transmission withoutsolid contact through a dielectric medium, it does not relate to thetransmission of electromagnetic energy in the form of radiation but, infact, to the field of electrical energy transport.

STATE OF THE ART

Influence (electrostatic induction) was discovered and studied longbefore electromagnetic induction. Aside from total-influence capacitors,until now it has given rise to only a few industrial applications thatare purely electrical. The mechanical forces that can be obtained byinfluence between two remote charges are very weak compared to thosethat we know are produced between two magnets. Significant energytransport cannot be achieved for partial-influence devices except in thecase where high-voltage, high-frequency generators are used.

The conditions required to transport electrical energy by influence wereassembled for the first time by Nikola Tesla (1856-1943). The devicesused were of large size (several tens of meters) and the effectsobserved extended over several tens of kilometers, i.e. over distancesgreater than the wave length. In this way, Tesla was not in aquasi-static-regime. In his U.S. Pat. No. 648,621 in 1900, he describesan arrangement that allows remote transverse transmission of energy. Thefact that he used the ground on one side and ionized layers of theatmosphere on the other side (experiments at Colorado Springs) makes usthink that he achieved something more like transverse wave propagationthat was partially guided by the ionosphere. Moreover, on a stormy dayhe observed the first stationary electromagnetic waves. More recently,Stanislav and Constantin Avramenko, in patent WO 93/23907 thought theyobtained longitudinal waves that were propagated along a very fine wire.The receiver device that they used in one of their embodiments seems tocall upon the charge reservoir technique that we are also using in ourinvention. In this same patent, the generator (seen as an emitter ofvery specific waves) is therefore of a nature that is different from theload. In this regard, we can note the absence of a connection on one ofthe terminals of the transformer's secondary circuit.

Our invention distinguishes itself from Tesla's work and patents by thefact that energy is transmitted over short distances, preferentially ona longitudinal axis (parallel to the electric field) and withoutrequiring the use of a connection to ground.

Our invention distinguishes itself from S. and C. Avramenko's patent bythe fact that energy is transmitted over short distances without wiresor waves and by the fact that generators and loads are of the samenature.

Our invention is distinct from any type of grouping of capacitors, evenasymmetrical ones, due to the fact that the simplest embodiment of theinvention cannot in any case be reduced to such a type of assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 represents different possible situations for the internalcomposition of the H.T.H.F. load;

FIG. 3 illustrates further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the case in which a set of four internally-switchedelectrodes (not shown in the figure) are used so that a mobile consumerdevice remains powered, independently of its angular position in space;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment for the distribution of energy using asingle producing device towards several consumer devices over shortdistances; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment that is possible for the distributionof energy over medium or great distances.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The device according to the invention proposes a method of transportingelectrical energy over a relatively short distance through a dielectricmedium without using electric wires or requiring the slightest form ofphysical contact (such as, for example, the use of grounding). In thisregard, the invention allows energy to be transported between two remotepoints, in a vacuum. The technique that is used is based on the use ofthe Coulomb interaction, which is also called: electrical influence.

The word “transport” as well as verbs and adjectives derived from it,designates the longitudinal mechanical nature associated with theconcept of electrical force. In this way, even if within the scope ofthe invention, this latter is exerted remotely (at a distance) through avacuum, its action must not be confused with electromagnetictransmission (which exhibits a transverse non-mechanical nature andwhich does not participate in the principle that is used here, otherthan in the form of undesired losses).

More precisely, the device according to the invention finds itselfwithin the context of partial influence, a context in which someconductors must be considered either as isolated and in interaction withthe surrounding dielectric medium (optionally, in a vacuum) or as ininteraction with multiple remote conductors, which are sometimes faraway and undefined. For some conductors used in the context of theinvention, the intrinsic capacitance of the isolated conductor is theimportant physical property that sets the order of magnitude of theperformances obtained.

The mathematical tool that is adapted to handle the case of multipleconductors in interactions is the matrix description. In the limit caseof media that we can consider to be continuous, physicists also use theexpression “near field” (as opposed to “distant field”) which is easierto handle.

The device according to the invention cannot in any case be reduced toan assembly of standard capacitors, whose object would be to create anelectrical coupling between two solid, unconnected parts. In such anassembly, each element (a traditional capacitor) can be considered to beentirely distinct from the others whereas, in the invention, there aremultiple couplings between the electrodes.

The device according to the invention calls upon intense electricalfields that exhibit swift temporal variations to use, in the dielectricmedia outside the conductors, the Maxwell displacement current which isusually extremely weak. These same fields are associated with potentialsand impedances which can be very high depending on the size of thedevices produced.

In the device according to the invention, the frequencies implemented,which shall henceforth be called high frequencies (H.F.), are muchhigher than those customarily used for the transport of electricalenergy but in spite of everything remain rather low so thatelectromagnetic radiation will be negligible. This is the result whenthe size of a device represents only a small portion of the wavelengthin the exterior medium surrounding this latter, or by judicious use offorms (shapes) and phase differences applied to different electrodes.

In the embodiments of the invention that we shall describe below,large-amplitude, rapidly-varying fields are obtained using high-voltage,high-frequency generators (hereinafter referred to as H.T.H.F.generators). H.T.H.F. will be associated with H.T.H.F. loads.

Alternating voltages are either purely sinusoidal or consist of multiplefrequencies and go from to several hundred volts for applications atvery low powers or within the scope of devices of very small sizes(micrometric distances), up to several MV (millions of volts) forhigh-power or large-size applications.

H.T.H.F. generators and loads that function under high voltage and lowintensities usually exhibit high impedances.

The devices according to the invention consist of at least two distinctparts:

An energy-producing device consisting of at least one H.T.H.F. generatorand multiple electrodes, electrically connected to the generator(s),whose role is to charge the surrounding medium, optionally a vacuum,with electrical energy.

An energy-consuming device consisting of at least one H.T.H.F. load and,optionally, electrodes electrically connected to this/these load(s).

The electrodes and connecting wires are defined in the context of theinvention as conducting media that have spatial extensions and shapesthat are well defined. Mathematically, they correspond to surfaces orvolumes that are practically equipotential. The electrodes andconnecting wires customarily consist of conductive metals, but canconsist optionally partially or totally of conductive liquids or ionizedgases, perhaps contained inside solid dielectric materials.

The H.T.H.F. generator according to the invention are obtained in manydifferent ways, for example, from an alternating low voltage applied tothe primary of an induction transformer that provides a high voltage tothe secondary and which is capable of operating at relatively highfrequencies, but also optionally using piezoelectrical transformers orany other technology that gives the same results.

The H.T.H.F. loads, according to the invention, are devices that aresimilar to those of H.T.H.F. generators; optionally, to supply power toa low-voltage device they use the same technologies as the generatorswhen they are reversible.

The connection obtained in the context of devices according to theinvention is simultaneously bidirectional and verifies theaction/reaction principle.

It arises from this that, when the technologies used, both on thegenerator side and on the load side, are reversible, then the entiredevice is reversible and energy can circulate in either direction.

When we consider simple systems, not composed of multiple electrodessubjected to phase differences, the H.T.H.F. generators (as also,optionally, the H.T.H.F. loads) are connected by conductive wires to twotypes of electrodes placed, preferably, at short distances from thegenerators, in order to prevent radiative losses.

The abovementioned electrodes have different properties and functionsdepending on their size. A large electrode, powered by the samealternating current as a small one, is subject to lower voltages andthus generates weaker electric fields in its environment; we shall namethis type of electrode a “passive electrode” or “reservoir electrode”.The largest reservoir that we have, optionally, available to us is theEarth itself. The smaller electrodes are associated with larger fieldsand are called: “active electrodes”: we call the ones that create thefield “generator electrodes”, and the ones that are subjected to it arecalled “electromotive electrodes”. In a reversible embodiment, theelectrodes are, in turn, electromotive and generative, depending on thedirection in which the energy is being transported.

FIG. 1 shows one possible production/consumption association. AnH.T.H.F. generator (1) is connected on one side to a large-size passiveelectrode (2 a) (FIG. 1 a) or to ground (reservoir electrode) (FIG. 1 b)and on the other side to a smaller, active electrode (3) (generatorelectrode) which produces an intense field zone where the energy isconcentrated (4). The high-impedance load (5), for its part, isconnected on one side to a small electrode (6) (electromotive electrode)placed in the zone where the field is intense, and on the other side toanother electrode, preferably a larger one (7) placed in a zone wherethe field is weaker (passive electrode).

The embodiment described above (FIG. 1), leads back to a considerationof the interaction between two asymmetric oscillating electric dipoles.In this regard, the two electrical dipoles interact in a manner that issimilar to the interaction obtained between two magnetic induction coilstraversed by alternating electrical currents. The device according tothe invention is therefore, for influence, the equivalent of partialcoupling transformers. The coupling takes place through a dielectricmedium of permittivity ε, instead of an inductive medium of magneticpermeability μ in the case of a transformer.

As in the case of the air transformer, numerous configurations arepossible for the two electric dipoles, the specific arrangement wherethe two dipoles are aligned on the same axis allows the range to beimproved and, in the specific case of influence, a limitation of thenumber of active electrodes.

In the case of loads that require the impedance to be adapted, there is,in the context of the invention, a minimum of only two activeelectrodes, one on the side of the producer device (the generatingelectrode), and the other on the side of the consumer device (theelectromotive electrode).

In the case of loads that naturally exhibit a high impedance, such asionized low-pressure media, solid materials that are highly resistive orsome semi-conductors, such loads are placed, optionally, directly in theintense-field zone without the need for connections with additionalelectrodes. In these types of cases, it is the physical boundaries ofsuch media that play the role of electrodes. In this way, in the case ofremote powering of an H.T.H.F. load of high natural impedance, such asan ionized gas contained in a solid dielectric enclosure and use is madeof a ground connection connected to one of the generator's terminal,there is now only one single electrode that needs to be connected to thegenerator's other terminal. This single electrode is, thus, necessarilythe generator electrode.

FIG. 2 represents different possible situations for the internalcomposition of the H.T.H.F. load.

FIG. 2 a represents the case in which the use of an inductiontransformer (8) associated optionally with a rectifying device (notshown) allows a final low-impedance load (9) to be powered.

FIG. 2 b represents the case in which the H.T.H.F. load consists simplyof one component that naturally exhibits high impedance.

FIG. 2 c represents the case in which the H.T.H.F. load consists of alow-pressure ionized gas (15) contained in a solid dielectric enclosure(16).

FIG. 3 illustrates more sophisticated embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 a represents a case where an additional modulation device (11) isinserted on the side of the consuming device, between the step-downtransformer (8) and the low-voltage charge (9). This modulation,associated with an amplification device (12) on the side of theconsuming device, allows simultaneous transport of the information inthe direction opposite to that in which energy is being transported. Theinformation is generated by a control and management device (13) locatedon the consuming device side; a similar device associated with a secondmodulator placed on the generator device side, between the step-uptransformer (8) and the power source (10), allows the latter to adapt tothe power requirements of the consumer device.

FIG. 3 b represents a case in which amplification and additionalmanagement on the consuming device side allow bi-directionaltransmission, which is optionally simultaneous, of information betweenthe consumer and generator devices.

These exchanges are not affected by the direction in which energy istransported. An inversion in the direction of energy transport ispossible when the unit assembled uses reversible devices (9) and (10).

In one embodiment of the previous device, a communication protocolallows the consumer device to request the producer device to adapt toits requirements by varying the mean amplitude of the voltages appliedto the generator electrodes. Inversely, the producer device can informthe consumer device about its power reserves. The consumer device may bebacked up by a means of internal energy storage in case of temporaryrupture of the connection.

In one embodiment of the invention leading back to a coupling betweentwo dipoles, which corresponds to a quadripolar structure, the energytransmitted decreases proportionally to 1/R⁴ when the distance R betweenthe dipoles becomes great. The practical range of a producer dipole thatpowers a relatively small consumer dipole is thus on the order ofseveral times the size of the producer dipole.

In the case in which the consumer dipole is energy independent, therange for transport of information only between the producer dipole andthe consumer dipole is much greater than that described previously ifsufficient amplification of the received signal can be achieved both onthe side of the consumer device and that of the producer device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the producer device goesautomatically into power-save mode when the load no longer requiresenergy, by greatly decreasing the mean amplitude of voltages applied tothe generating electrode without breaking the information connectionwith the consumer device. A more developed power save mode is achievedby intermittent interrogations between the producer and consumerdevices.

Finally, in one specific embodiment, only information can be transmitted(according to either a mono, alternating bi-directional, or simultaneousmode).

In some embodiments of the invention, the producer and consumer devices,or only the generating and electromotive electrode(s), are kept in placeby one or more mechanical connections, which may be removable, whichmake use of dielectric materials in such manner that the generator andelectromotive electrodes face each other without direct electricalcontact. This type of mechanism approaches an “electrical outlet” typedevice.

In some embodiments of the invention, producer and consumer devices canbe moved relative to each other without the “energy connection” thatunites them being broken. This limited mobility in translation and inrotation can, as an option, be extended to full angular mobility byappropriate management of rotating fields. Relative rotation between aproducer device and a consumer device can, optionally, be compensatedfor by a counter rotation of the field, obtained either by applicationof voltages of inverted phases to a set of electrodes on the producerdevice side, or by internal switching of a set of electrodes on theconsumer device(s) side.

FIG. 4 illustrates the case in which a set of four internally-switchedelectrodes (not shown in the figure) is used so that a mobile consumerdevice remains powered, independently of its angular position in space.A set of a minimum of 6 electrodes is required if the consumer device isto rotate around two axes.

Management of the rotation of the one or more fields can, optionally,make use of the information connection between the producer and consumerdevice(s).

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment for the distribution of energy using asingle producing device towards several consumer devices over shortdistances.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment that is possible for the distributionof energy over medium or great distances. In FIG. 6, energy is providedto the circuit by a high-frequency, low-voltage generator (10), it isthen distributed to remote step-up transformers (8). The use of lowvoltage distribution allows the reactive power due to the intrinsiccapacitance of the wires (and Joule losses associated with it), as wellas the radiation induced by the wires (left part of FIG. 6), to belimited. For even greater distances, a coaxial-cable type propagationline (14) can also be used to limit losses by electromagnetic radiation(right portion of FIG. 6).

The electrodes (like the connecting wires) on both the producer deviceand consumer device sides, do not need to be good conductors and,optionally, may have relatively high impedance. Advantageously, theyconsist of very little conductive or semi-conductive material.

Active electrodes in the embodiments that use high power can,optionally, be covered with one or more solid insulating materials or,more generally, with a material with a high breakdown voltage and lowsurface conductivity in order to guarantee the safety of the user bypreventing high local increase of current density in case of accidentallocalized contact.

1. An electricity-transport system for transporting electrical energyfrom an energy-producer device to an energy-consumer device, the systemcomprising: the energy-producer device having a first active electrode,a first passive electrode, and a generator connected on a first sidethereof to the first active electrode and on a second side thereof tothe first passive electrode; and the energy-consumer device having asecond active electrode, a second passive electrode, and a loadconnected on a first side thereof to said second active electrode and ona second side thereof to said second passive electrode; wherein thefirst active electrode is coupled to the second active electrode bycapacitive coupling; the first passive electrode is coupled to thesecond passive electrode by capacitive coupling; and the first passiveelectrode is subject to a voltage lower than a voltage to which thefirst active electrode is subject.
 2. The electricity-transport systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the generator of the energy-producerdevice is a high-voltage high-frequency generator having a first endconnected to the first active electrode so as to subject the firstactive electrode to variations in potential, and a second end of thegenerator being coupled to the first passive electrode, and wherein thefirst passive electrode is (a) at least one electrode which acts as acharge reservoir in the energy-producing device and which is larger insize and disposed distant from the first active electrode, or (b) aground.
 3. The electricity-transport system according to claim 2,wherein the second active electrode disposed in an area where thevariations in potential are high and the second passive electrodedisposed in an area where variations in potential are lower.
 4. Theelectricity-transport system according to claim 3, wherein theenergy-producer device and energy-consumer device each comprise amodulator adapted to cause modulation of the varying potentials in saidarea, making use of the frequency or frequencies used for energytransport or of superposed frequencies which do not produce significantlosses by radiation, whereby to allow simultaneous bidirectionaltransfer of signals that transport information independently of thedirection in which the energy is transported.
 5. Theelectricity-transport system according to claim 4, wherein theenergy-producer device and the energy-consumer device each comprise anamplifier for amplifying information transported therebetween.
 6. Theelectricity-transport system according to claim 1, wherein therespective roles of the energy-producer device and energy-consumerdevice are reversible.
 7. The electricity-transport system according toclaim 1, wherein the active electrodes are covered with a high breakdownvoltage and low surface conductivity material.
 8. Theelectricity-transport system according to claim 1, wherein at least oneof the first and second active electrodes are in electrical contact withat least one removable mechanical electrical outlet connection.
 9. Theelectricity-transport system according to claim 1, wherein: thegenerator of the energy-producer device comprises a second generator anda plurality of transformers remote from said second generator andconnected thereto by coaxial cables; and the energy-producer devicecomprises a plurality of first active electrodes, connected torespective ones of said plurality of transformers, whereby electricitycan be transported to the energy-consumer device, remote from saidsecond generator relative to any of said plurality of first activeelectrodes.
 10. The electricity-transport system according to claim 1,wherein the energy-producer device is a dipolar, asymmetricaloscillating energy-producer device and the energy-consumer device is adipolar, asymmetrical oscillating energy-consumer device.
 11. Theelectricity-transport system according to claim 2, wherein the generatorof the energy-producer device is configured to generate potentials thatvary at frequencies whose wavelengths are large relative to the size ofthe energy-producer and energy-consumer devices, whereby electromagneticradiation energy is low compared to that transported from theenergy-producer device to the energy-consumer device.
 12. Anenergy-producer device for an electricity-transport system whichtransports electrical energy from the energy-producer device to anenergy-consumer device, the energy-producer device comprising: a firstactive electrode which is coupled to a second active electrode of theenergy-consumer device by capacitive coupling; a first passive electrodewhich is coupled to a second passive electrode of the energy-consumerdevice by capacitive coupling; and a generator connected on a first sidethereof to the first active electrode and on a second side thereof tothe first passive electrode, wherein the first passive electrode issubject to a voltage lower than a voltage to which the first activeelectrode is subject.
 13. The energy-producer device according to claim12, wherein the generator is a high-voltage high-frequency generatorhaving a first end connected to the first active electrode so as tosubject the first active electrode to variations in potential, and asecond end of the generator being coupled to the first passiveelectrode, and wherein said first passive electrode is either (a) atleast one electrode which acts as a charge reservoir, which is of largersize and distant from the first active electrode, or (b) a ground. 14.The energy-producer device according to claim 13, wherein thehigh-voltage, high-frequency generator is disposed between the firstactive electrode and first passive electrode, and comprises a source oflow voltages at high frequencies, and a transformer for converting thelow voltages at high frequencies generated by said source to highvoltages at high frequencies.
 15. The energy-producer device accordingto claim 13, comprising a set of internal electrodes disposed indifferent angular orientations and a source for applying a phasedifference to said set of internal electrodes whereby to generate arotating electric field in said space whereby to be able to supplyelectricity to an energy-consumer device respective of the rotationalposition of the energy-consumer device.
 16. The energy-producer deviceaccording to claim 12, configured as a dipolar, asymmetrical oscillatingenergy-producer device.
 17. The energy-producer device according toclaim 13, wherein the generator of is configured to generate potentialsthat vary at frequencies whose wavelengths are large relative to thesize of the energy-producer and energy-consumer devices, wherebyelectromagnetic radiation energy is low compared to that transportedfrom the energy-producer device to the energy-consumer device.